Honda has initiated a recall affecting up to 59,887 vehicles in the U.S., citing a defect in the rearview camera system that could leave drivers with a distorted or blank image when reversing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the action, underscoring a safety risk that could lead to collisions or injuries.
The recall covers two models, though Honda did not immediately specify which ones in its initial filing. The company traced the problem to an adhesive inside the camera housing that can separate from the case, causing the lens to malfunction. Drivers may lose visibility of the area behind the vehicle, a critical safety feature required in all new cars since 2018.
This is not the first time Honda has grappled with camera-related recalls. In recent years, the automaker has recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles for similar issues, including software glitches and wiring problems. The latest defect appears to be a manufacturing flaw rather than a software bug.
Rearview cameras are mandated by federal safety standards to reduce backup accidents, which cause about 200 deaths and 12,000 injuries annually in the U.S., according to NHTSA data. A blank or distorted screen effectively disables that safeguard, putting pedestrians and property at risk.
Honda said it will notify affected owners starting next month and will replace the camera assembly free of charge. Owners can check their vehicle's recall status using the NHTSA website or by contacting a Honda dealer. The company urged drivers to use extra caution when reversing until the repair is completed.
The recall comes amid a broader wave of auto industry actions. In a separate development, food recalls have also dominated headlines, with contamination issues forcing multiple product removals. Meanwhile, experts warn that domestic violence is a key driver behind nearly half of U.S. mass shootings, highlighting another public safety concern.
For Honda, the repair cost is expected to be minimal, but the recall could dent consumer confidence. The automaker has been working to rebuild trust after a series of safety-related recalls in recent years, including airbag inflator defects that affected millions of vehicles globally.
NHTSA is monitoring the recall and may escalate enforcement if Honda fails to address the issue promptly. The agency has become more aggressive under the current administration, issuing stiffer penalties for delayed or incomplete recalls.
Owners with questions can call Honda's customer service line or visit the NHTSA recall portal. The company advises that until the fix is applied, drivers should rely on mirrors and turn their heads to check blind spots when backing up.
